20 restaurants and bars opening in Tampa Bay in 2020 – Tampa Bay Times

Theres a lot on the horizon for the Tampa Bay restaurant scene in 2020, from a handful of new wine bars to restaurants from top local chefs. Plus, more food halls and a continued emphasis on fast-casual spots. Here are 20 restaurants and bars were looking forward to this year.

Another collaboration from Top Chef alum Fabio Viviani and Nocturnal Hospitality Group, this time in St. Petersburg. La Pergola, a high-end Italian restaurant, is set to debut in the spring, taking over the ground floor of the building at 200 Central Ave., joining the Mill and Craft Kafe. Diners can expect a high-energy lounge and bar with specialty cocktails, according to a news release. Viviani first joined forces with founding Nocturnal partners Lanfranco Pescante and David Anderson to develop modern Italian bar and kitchen Osteria, which arrived in downtown Tampa in 2018.

200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

The particulars are still being worked out for this forthcoming wine bar set to open soon in the EDGE District of St. Petersburg, but it will bring something new to the area when it does: 2,190 square feet of wine, both in a retail capacity and in a bar setting featuring by-the-glass pours. In addition to small-production wines ranging from traditional to natural, owner and wine industry veteran Ryan Rugg, who has teamed up with sommelier and partner Kory Lynn, will feature appetizers, small plates and outdoor seating.

1005 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg

Set to debut in the spring, Semolina is the new restaurant from David and Erica Benstock, who own modern Italian favorite Il Ritorno in downtown St. Petersburg. Their first venture in Tampa, the fast-casual pasta restaurant will open at Sparkman Wharf, the outdoor food hall in the Channelside area. Semolina will face the waterfront along the perimeter of Sparkman Wharf, located at 615 Channelside Drive. Unlike the existing food options, which are mainly housed in shipping containers, Semolina is set to occupy a 1,600-square-foot space with 42 seats inside and 20 outside. Guests will be able to eat inside the restaurant or take the orders they place at its walkup counter to go, choosing from made-to-order pasta dishes, salads and breads.

615 Channelside Drive, Tampa

Chef Jeannie Pierolas newest restaurant has just opened, but were still including it on this list because it will likely be one of 2020s most notable newcomers. The chef, a five-time James Beard Award semifinalist, currently presides over Edison: Food+Drink Lab and Swigamajig at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa. Her long-awaited new spot is being billed as a modern homage to classic counter dining and its barstool kinship between diners and the kitchen. Its currently serving dinner daily, in a 3,700-square-foot restaurant in South Tampa.

2909 W Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa

This half book store, half wine bar from owner Terra Dunham is in the buildout phase and expected to debut in the spring. Opening in downtown St. Petersburg, the new concept is calling itself a wine bar with books. On the wine side, youll find a curated wine program, plus beer, coffee and snacks.

17 Sixth St. N, St. Petersburg

The beloved Filipino fast-food chain has chosen Pinellas Park as the area for its first Tampa Bay location. Jollibee, whose closest location currently is in Jacksonville, started in the Philippines in the 1970s and has since expanded to the United States. Signature items include the Chickenjoy fried chicken and the Jolly Spaghetti. The under-construction location at 4045 Park Blvd. N is currently hiring, and is expected to open in January.

4045 Park Blvd. N, St. Petersburg

The popular downtown Tampa hangout that opened in 2006 and closed in 2018 is reopening, and not very far from the previous location. Co-owner Leslie Shirah Culbreath and business partner and husband Mark Culbreath are set to open in the Mise en Place building at 442 W Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa in early 2020. Look for a menu of eclectic American dishes, a mix of old favorites and new creations, plus a craft cocktail program.

442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa

This Nordic- and Asian-inspired restaurant from chef Jeffrey Jew, who has most recently cooked at Stillwaters Tavern and BellaBrava, is coming to St. Petersburg in the spring. Lingr on 6th St., which references the Old Norse word meaning belonging to and coming or descending from, will reflect Jews heritage his mother is Norwegian and his father is Chinese. Described as a 150-seat upscale-casual restaurant and bar, it will include both indoor seating and an outdoor garden space in St. Petersburgs Downtown South University Park area.

400 Sixth St. S, St. Petersburg

Imported and domestic cheese, charcuterie and a wide-reaching international wine list will be the highlights at this new bar and tasting room, opening in early 2020 in downtown St. Petersburg. The European-inspired wine and cheese shop takes over a former laundromat located across the street from the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood. According to its website, the project is a team effort from chef and cheesemonger Raymond Cotteret, Alex Paunic and sommelier Jessica Arkwright. Guests can expect to find Appellation-driven wines, vermouth cocktails, sherry, local beers and a long list of cheeses, cured meats, sandwiches and tapas.

442 Second St. N, St. Petersburg

These two spots drive the dining and drinking options at the new Karol Hotel, slated to debut in Feather Sound in January. Inspired by Florida flavors and hotel owners Fred and Karol Bullards travels, K Club Bar & Bistro will serve contemporary cuisine in a chic, comfy environment. At the Vantage Rooftop Bar, the climate-controlled hangout 12 stories high will unite light bites and elevated cocktails. Karol Hotel executive chef Jon Atanacio, previously a chef at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, will direct the culinary operations of both new spaces.

2675 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater

Opening any day now in Tampas historic north Hyde Park area, the handsome restaurant will feature contemporary world cuisine served in a stylish, yet casual atmosphere. Expect Napa Valley-meets-Florida design vibes and open-air seating on the patio overlooking one of Tampas buzziest areas.

301 N Rome Ave., Tampa

This new lunch spot with a strong focus on veggies and seasonal ingredients is coming to St. Petersburg in February.

200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

The tequila and taco spot in Tampa will feature a fast-casual concept with fresh, made-to-order tacos and regionally inspired Mexican dishes. Chef Tisbeth Mejia, who was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and owner Karol Ortiz ran a similar concept on MacDill Avenue from 2012 to 2017 and also opened a second restaurant in Sarasota before deciding to focus full time on the Howard Avenue spot. Ortiz says the renovated space will likely soft-open in January with beer and wine, and eventually the place will serve liquor and a full menu as well. The space will also feature a private speakeasy vault room."

1611 N Howard Ave., Tampa

This cult favorite in St. Petersburgs EDGE District is just moving up the street, but the experience is bound to be quite different. Bodega owners George and Debbie Sayegh told the Times theyve outgrown their original outpost, and will relocate to the building occupied by antique shop Mis en Chic. They aim to complete construction on the restaurants new space in May 2020. Bodega is known for its tiny outdoor kitchen, long lines and lack of indoor eating space all things that tend not to matter once youve taken a bite of the delicious Cuban fare. But we cant wait to check them out in a new space.

1180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

Taking over the shuttered Taco Bus lot in St. Petersburg is this large craft brewery, slated for a summer 2020 opening. The planned two-story 10,270-square-foot brewery also includes an adjacent restaurant. In between the two buildings on the lot will be an open-air beer garden, able to accommodate 375 people. The taproom will have 250 seats inside and out on its second-level terrace. Expect 16 brews in total, including IPAs, pale ales, porters, stouts and funky, sour options at this Grand Central District newcomer.

2324 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

The team behind Tampas Armature Works Heights Public Market is heading across the bay to open a new food hall in part of downtown St. Petersburgs Sundial. That means 25,000 square feet of the downtown retail space, including the areas currently occupied by tenants Locale Market and FarmTable Cucina, will be revamped to make way for the new hall. Construction is set to begin soon, and the project is expected to be finished by the end of 2020. Stay tuned for the food and drink vendors that will occupy the space.

153 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg

A new restaurant focusing on chicken and craft cocktails is coming to downtown St. Petersburg. No opening date has been announced yet, but the owners have described the new spot as a full-service restaurant and bar with a menu featuring American and globally inspired chicken dishes and craft cocktails.

150 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg

One of several new wine bar concepts set to open in the new year, this wine locker and American trattoria takes over the upstairs balcony space on St. Petersburgs Central Avenue formerly home to A Taste For Wine. No word yet on an exact opening date.

241 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

Back in August, we spent time touring the space that would become this ambitious food hall, coming to downtown Lakeland as part of a food revolution for the small city. Things have come a long way for the Joinery since we visited, with multiple vendors now on board Ato for burritos and bowls, Ava for pizza, Gallito Taqueria, King State Coffee and more a gorgeous buildout along Lake Mirror and a craft brewery on site. Look for it sometime in early 2020.

Opening down in Manatee County, in the growing Lakewood Ranch area, this bakery has slowly been introducing itself to the community via local markets and bread drops patrons can sign up for online. It specializes in seriously good bread, the kind of naturally risen dough we do not have nearly enough of in the Tampa Bay area, ranging from regular sourdough to special holiday flavors. At its forthcoming cafe expected to open in January, Atria will serve its bread along with coffee and other snacks.

4120 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch

Times staff writers Helen Freund and Meaghan Habuda contributed to this report.

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20 restaurants and bars opening in Tampa Bay in 2020 - Tampa Bay Times